Holt to present bond election information

Mark Engebretson

Posted:
10/20/2013 10:25:54 AM CDT

GISD Superintendent Dennis Holt explains the proposed $7.5 million bond in a meeting at the school Thursday. The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. at the school, 400 W. Division St, Graford. (Stacy Rollins)

Graford Independent School District Superintendent Dennis Holt said he will hold the second of a pair of public meetings to provide information on the Tuesday, Nov. 5, bond election beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the school cafeteria, 400 W. Division St., Graford.
The GISD Board of Trustees voted to hold a $7.5 million bond election.
The proposed bond would be to construct:
Athletic facilities: Synthetic track, 700,000; baseball field, $750,000; softball field, $600,000; concession stand, rest rooms, $208,000; weight and training room renovations, $79,345; two varsity locker rooms, $66,275; safety area at locker rooms, $60,000; fencing and parking, $200,000; .
Academic facilities: Science classroom, $416,600; kitchen renovations, $685,600.
Maintenance: Bus barn, $262,500; wash bay, $80,000; HVAC, 38 5-ton, $285,000; roof, $452,448; parking lots, $310,000; power line relocation, $239,000.
Safety and security: New building entrance, $234,000; new entrance, conference area, $169,000; classroom door access, $30,000; building access door hardware, $35,000; building safety renovations, $260,000; cameras, $100,000.
Bus, one, $125,000.
The balance of the $7.5 million would be in architectural and engineering, contingency and soft costs.
Holt explained to the board his reasoning for the construction.
New science lab. Holt said one of the two current science labs would be used at the elementary level where requirements are growing for more science at that level.
New kitchen.

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"Our current kitchen is very small. Then I can take the current kitchen and turn it into a culinary arts classroom," Holt explained.
That would allow dual credits in that field with Texas State Technical College.
"The current situation does not meet the requirements," he added. "We have a lot of interest in that program with TSTC."
Security and safety. Holt explained that with modification, all visitors would enter through a reception area.
"It would give us new campus admin offices," said Holt. "We would change the (current) high school office area to a classroom."
Additionally, the nurse's station would be moved to that area.
Locker room. "The old ag complex would be for maintenance," he said, adding that the classroom would be renovated into a locker room with a connecting door to the current area.
There would also be a new training room.
Bus barn. With the upgrade of certain buses for activity trips, Holt said a bus barn would help maintain the investment. Also at the bus barn, a wash station.
Sports complex. "The next thing we're looking at is a complex for track and field," Holt continued.
Twenty acres donated to the school would have a track, softball field and baseball field with a single press box for all three.
"People in the community can come up and walk the track," he added. "I think it's something we need."
Other. An upgrade in air conditioning, a parking lot, an activity bus, cameras and roof repairs are also on the list.
"It's not like a huge increase," he continued. "We're talking about 4, 5 or 6 cents (per $100 property value), depending on the outcome."
That increase, he continued, would amount to about $5 per month on a $100,000 home.
"I know the board is very aware of that," he said, adding that the consensus of trustees is getting the best for students while being mindful of the cost.
Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21, and continues through Friday, Nov. 1.